NIKOLAKI.....NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection Debuts at Style Week OC

NIKOLAKI Goddesses Rule Over Style Week OC!

Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI take their bow after showing at Style Week Orange County Spring 2011 (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

This past Friday night, the Irvine Spectrum--and its fabulous Ferris Wheel became the backdrop to the start of the 3rd Annual Style Week Orange County. I was honored to have been invited to show my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection--along with my Co-Designer David Paul. I was also asked to host the "Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns" and Ezekiel's 2nd Annual Needle & Thread Competitions, both of which featured original designs from graduates of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (my alma mater and the college I am instructor at).

Showstopper: Amanda in raspberry Silk Zibeline raglan-sleeved fitted gown with keyhole neckline and full-pleated train (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

Our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection kicked off Style Week OC and by all the compliments and effusive praise we received afterward, it was a big success. Backstage, through all the madness of getting the models out, it was fun to hear all the "ooohs" and "aahhs" coming from the audience, even through the pumping Rihanna-Lady Gaga-Freemasons soundtrack. For Spring 2011, our Inspiration springboard was this stunning American socialite from the early 1900's, Rita de Acosta Lydig. A beauty of Cuban and Spanish descent (David and I loved that since both of us are half-Latino), she was, by all accounts FABULOUS and loved fashion.

Red Carpet Entrance: Brazilian-born Carla in a NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 lilac-colored silk chiffon sequined gown with peek-a-boo top detail; Model Holly Ridings seen in the back in creme silk jersey sequined epaulet draped dress (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

In addition, we were also inspired by the Amalfi Coast and the colors in the ocean and bougainvillea. We used raspberry, lilacs, turquoise, black & white and cremes as well as an abstract watercolor print. In terms of fabrications, we chose sumptuous and yes, very expensive fabrics such as Silk Zibeline from Italy, hand-beaded sequin Silk Chiffon as well as delicate silk jerseys and silk chiffons.

We kept the accessorizing and styling to a minimum, using a mix of Gold and Silver cuffs and bracelets. And the AMAZING heels all our models wore were from Michael Antonio.

Cocktail Hour: Eugena in a NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 strapless raspberry Silk Zibeline dress with asymmetrical mini side "pouf" and draped bust detail (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

We were excited to have some fabulous models walk our Spring 2011 Runway, some of which you might recognize, including the stunning Amanda Fields (who opened our show naturally) from Season 3 Project Runway, and the statuesque Holly Ridings from Models of the Runway 2/Project Runway Season 7. The beautiful Saleisha Stowers, Winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 9, and Eugena Washington, Second Runner Up to Cycle 7 of America's Next Top Model also modeled in our show.

Where's My Yacht: Mercedes Cornet (who modeled in our First Show back in 2001!!!), in a NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 printed silk chiffon one shoulder gown with high side slit (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

With this collection, we were definitely making a "Red Carpet" statement--from the gowns to the cocktail dresses to the easy-breezy yet still elegant tunics. Every woman deserves to have their "Rita de Acosta Lydig Moment" and with this collection, we are allowing them to! I will have more photos of the other shows, the "Special Guests", the scene at Style Week Orange County, on later posts, but for now... Below is a complete Slide Show from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection and for even more GREAT photos click HERE for a slide show from 944 Magazine: